Where to Receive IVIG Therapy in Edgewater, MD

Proper hydration prior to your IVIG infusion can help reduce the risk of common side effects such as headaches, kidney strain, and vein irritation. Well-hydrated veins are also easier for our skilled nursing team to access, making your infusion process smoother. We encourage all patients to drink plenty of fluids in the 24 hours before their scheduled treatment.

After your infusion, continuing to stay hydrated is just as important. Drinking water helps your kidneys process and eliminate the infused proteins, which may help minimize adverse reactions and support your body’s recovery.

The Importance of Rest Before and After Your Visit
IVIG infusions at our center can take several hours, and it’s not uncommon to feel tired during or after your visit. Some patients report mild flu-like symptoms or fatigue after treatment. We recommend that you plan for a restful day both before and after your infusion appointment at Jean Walter Infusion Center. Adequate rest gives your body time to adjust to the therapy and supports your immune system for a smoother recovery.

If you experience any symptoms such as headache, chills, fever, rash, back pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or chest tightness during your infusion, please notify your healthcare provider immediately.

Do not attempt to manage these symptoms on your own. Our experienced medical team is always available to respond promptly and appropriately to any reactions. If a reaction occurs, your nurse may pause or slow the infusion, closely monitor your vital signs, and, if needed, provide medications or pain relievers to help you feel better. In rare cases, the infusion may need to be stopped entirely, depending on the severity of your reaction.

After managing your symptoms, our healthcare providers will review and adjust your future infusion plan, which may include modifying the infusion rate or recommending premedications to minimize the risk of further reactions.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we understand that every patient’s experience with IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) therapy is unique. While many individuals tolerate IVIG well, some may develop side effects such as headaches, chills, fever, nausea, or infusion-related reactions. If you experience any of these symptoms during your treatment, please inform your healthcare provider immediately.

If you have side effects, we can often make adjustments right here in our infusion suite to help reduce your symptoms. For example, we may slow down your infusion rate, which often helps your body tolerate the therapy better. In some cases, your provider might recommend lowering the dosage or dividing the dose over multiple days to minimize side effects. Occasionally, switching to a different brand of IVIG can also improve your experience, as different formulations may be tolerated differently.

We also offer pre-medications before your infusion, when appropriate, to help prevent or lessen possible reactions. Our staff will encourage you to stay well-hydrated before and after your appointment, as this can help minimize certain side effects.

After your IVIG infusion at Jean Walter Infusion Center, the immunoglobulin proteins typically remain in your bloodstream for several weeks. On average, the half-life of IVIG—that is, the time it takes for half of the administered dose to be cleared from your system—ranges from about 21 to 28 days. This means the effects of a single infusion gradually decrease over three to four weeks.

The exact duration can vary based on several individual factors, including:

• The dose of IVIG you receive
• Your metabolism and how your body processes medications
• Any underlying medical conditions, such as immune deficiencies or kidney issues
• Some patients may find the IVIG is cleared from their systems a bit faster or slower, depending on these factors.

Why Are Regular Infusions Needed?

Because IVIG is derived from donated human plasma and acts as a temporary supplement to your immune system, its effects are not permanent. As the immunoglobulins are gradually broken down and eliminated from your body, their therapeutic benefits decrease over time. For this reason, most patients at Jean Walter Infusion Center who require ongoing IVIG therapy return for infusions every three to four weeks. This schedule helps maintain a therapeutic level of immunoglobulins in your system and supports your ongoing health.

If you are considering IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) therapy, the Jean Walter Infusion Center—directed by Dr. Nasser Nasseri, M.D.—is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for patients who require this specialized treatment. IVIG therapy is widely used for various autoimmune, infectious, and immune-mediated conditions, and our center is committed to supporting patients throughout every step of their treatment journey.

At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, you will receive personalized care in a safe and comfortable outpatient environment. Our experienced team—including board-certified physicians and infusion nurses—specializes in the administration of immunoglobulin infusions, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective therapy for their unique diagnosis.

Dr. Nasser Nasseri, M.D., is recognized for his expertise in immunology and infusion medicine. Under his leadership, our center conducts thorough medical evaluations before initiating IVIG therapy. This includes a careful review of your medical history, a detailed discussion of the benefits and potential risks, and the development of a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

During your IVIG infusion, our skilled medical staff will monitor you closely to maximize comfort and minimize any potential side effects. We are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and are prepared to manage both short-term and long-term infusion needs. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3168 Braverton St., Suite 330A, Edgewater, MD 21037. We serve patients from Edgewater MD, Riva MD, Davidsonville MD, Annapolis MD, and surrounding areas.